Roman Polanski pulls out of Polish film festival appearance

Exiled moviemaker Roman Polanski has pulled out of an appearance at the upcoming Polish Film Festival, where he was due to receive a lifetime achievement award.

Earlier this week, The Pianist director, a Polish native, confirmed he would be attending the event in Gdynia – and host a master class to local film students, but festival organisers have since confirmed he has changed his mind.

Although no reason has been given, insiders feel the Oscar-winning director’s decision stems from the fact he was arrested by police at the Zurich Film Festival in Switzerland in 2009, and subsequently fought a battle against extradition to the U.S. to face court proceedings linked to a 1977 sex case.

The extradition bid fell apart and Polanski was allowed to walk free after several months of jail time and house arrest at his Swiss chalet.

Polanski also missed the European Film Awards in Estonia in December. He accepted six awards, including Best Film for The Ghost Writer, via Skype.